SF Good Questions: How Should I Reupholster My Chairs?

AT:SF, I bought this teak dining set off of craigslist recently and I would like to reupholster the chairs. (Please be aware that this is the seller’s photo. It does not represent my space at all.) I’d like to ask the AT design gurus what could I use to reupholster my chairs without it being too bold and trendy? I’d like something mod to match the style of my chairs, but I’d also like to keep in mind that if I do reupholster them, I’d like to keep them that way for at least a few years (or until the student loans are paid off!!)...

...My kitchen is mostly white with an accent wall painted medium tan-brown (landlord’s choice, not mine). Ignoring the brown (because I can’t paint), I’ve kept most things white and placed pops of colour through the room (red hanging planter, apple green and navy table runner on a white sideboard, lots of plants/seedlings, etc). I’ve got big bright windows with a lot of afternoon sun that really warms up the room in the nicest way.

I was already leaning towards a nice warmer grey to go with the grey and orange colour palatte that I love so much. I’m unsure whether or not this would be too dark against the teak. I seem to have no trouble deciding on accents in a room, but when it comes to bigger things, I tend to hesitate. Help!

Thanks for the constant inspiration!
-Maria

Anyone have advice for Maria?

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Comments (15)

a wool upholstery fabric would be appropriate for this style. think classic knoll solid color chairs.

maybe not this color...but fabric

http://www.winterbeachmodern.com/fabricsale/hollingdale_901.html

I actually have this exact same set, and the upper portion is really difficult to get nice with the curve, but the lower is pretty simple. I chose to go with some nice white vinyl (I have cats that don't like vinyl and love to claw up any wool type material). I have completed only one, but it turned out very nice. The pegs that hold in the top portion had to be broken to get out to unscrew, however and I have not figured out how to fill back in. I am hoping someone would have a suggestion? I am also wondering where these originated from?

Renee_c, I'm not sure where these chairs originated from, but I do know that they don't go with the table. The lady I bought them from purchased these solid wood chairs after the original (not solid) ones fell apart.
I'm planning on recovering the seats myself, but I think I'll take the chairs to an upholstery shop to do the backs.

debbieeastbay, thanks for the fabric suggestion! I really like the texture of that wool.

-Maria

i saw this set in a canadian design mag -it was in a very moody blue gray dining room and was upholstered in a pinstripe men's suiting fabric

i think if you want it to stay easy to clean and last longer - try some outdoor solid sunbrella fabric or a microfiber which looks like suede or i second the vinyl choice above if u want to be a bit funkier.

If you can get a wool fabric that is a neutral color depending on your decor, then I think that would work great. the color of the teak is beautiful so for me personally, i wouldn't want to take away from that but using a pattern.

I am feeling the vinyl but with a shine like patent and with an embossed texture. Colors in white or sand.

Vinyl. Maybe royal blue or green.

I bought similar chairs off of craisglist and used some bold, printed fabric from ikea (PATRICIA line) and I have loved how they look. The curve was a bit tough (invest in a good staple gun). So far mine have held together...

I totally dig the tweed look on them already.
Check out the burnt orange tweed on number 8:
http://www.ragoarts.com/results_2001_10MOD01.php

Tweed is THE choice here:
http://showroom.fullhouseconsign.com/FeedPhotoList.aspx?gallery=34407

And there is a nice muted blue green that looks good with teak on that page, and here:
http://showroom.fullhouseconsign.com/GalleryFilmstrip.aspx?gallery=34407&photo=2515131

They show quite a few stripes on that page too, but I'm not as crazy about them as I am about the tweed.

Besides, how many other people have tongue twister teak tweed chairs? Go ahead. Say it fast.

Teak tweed teak tweed teak tweed teak tweed.

How many people said "tweek tead"? Like everyone?

If the tweed is in good shape, I would leave it alone. It looks awesome. I'd even play it up...with something interesting in the form of place mats that work with the tweed...
http://www.shopmongolia.com/product_info.php?products_id=146

check out some of the offerings at Crate and Barrel:
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/placemats-tablecloths/outlet/a

Wow, True Blue, thanks for all the links!!
Now that I've got the set in my kitchen, it looks really good the way it is. It would be a shame to try and reupholster it and ruin the construction of the chairs.

Thanks for the boost of confidence in tweed and teak!

And thanks for all the advice everyone. I'll take some pictures of it in it's new home to show.

-Maria

I too have a really similar set in a similar fabric so am eager to see the photos.

Does anyone have any advice about good upholsterers in San Fran?

thanks!

Anyone have any good tips on how to reupholster the back? Any good books or sites?